Grand Central Rail invests in North East operation

Following the addition of the fifth daily service from Sunderland to London, Grand Central Rail is expanding its North East operation with the opening of large new premises at 44 Sunniside in Sunderland and upgrades to its fleet, creating seven new jobs in the city.

Previously based at smaller offices in Foyle Street, Grand Central Rail is committing its North East base to a large new building, which will house the train crew and managers and includes a training suite, management offices, meeting rooms, a mess room and kitchen and changing rooms for staff.

Richard McClean, Managing Director of Grand Central said:

"Staying local and investing in Sunderland is really important to us. The North East is a vital part of our route and we are committed to continuing to connect the region with the capital, providing a much needed service for the communities we serve.

"We are continuing to grow as a business and, in addition to extending the service between the North East and London to five services each day, seven days a week, we have recently recruited seven new local staff including four new train drivers.

“In addition to investment in new staff, new premises and the addition of a fifth daily service, Grand Central Rail is beginning a phased refurbishment of the fleet of High Speed Trains. This includes new designs to the First and Standard class carriages and the buffet carriage and a refresh to passenger toilets and vestibules.”

Leanne Maskell, Customer Service Manager for the North Eastern service said:"The new office is a great step-up for our North East base and we’re very excited to be in more spacious and modern facilities. I've been with Grand Central since the beginning and we are looking forward to combining the excellent customer care we are known and admired for locally, with a new stronger presence in the North East.”

Image shows the Deputy Mayor of the City of Sunderland, Councillor Stuart Porthouse and the Deputy Mayoress, Mrs Marie Porthouse cutting the ribbon with Sean English, General Manager and Leanne Maskell, Customer Service Manager at Grand Central Rail on Friday 31 May 2013.